While a state championship is likely out of the question for Bridgeport’s wrestlng team, individual state titles are not. In fact, the Indians have several strong candidates to make a run at a crown.

 

The Tribe will leave today for the Class AA state championship meet. The meet begins today at 6:30 p.m. in Huntington and picks up Friday in Huntington at the Big Sandy Superstore Arean, and will continue on Saturday and the Tribe has three things to focus on, according to Coach Chris Courtney.

 

“Faith, Fight, Finish. If they believe in what we are doing and believe in their self, we are going to have a fun weekend,” said Courtney.

 

Bridgeport will bring a trio of regional champioins to the meet as part of the six wrestlers that have qualifeid for states. Aidan Gibson, Kemo Summers and Derek Starkey all come into the event fresh off of capturing Region II crowns.

 

The Tribe’s most experienced wrestler is senior and regional champ Aidan Gibson and among the best in the state at 160 pounds. Gibson, who recently eclipsed 150 wins for his career, will take his 34-8 mark into an opening round match Jayden Robinson of Greenbrier West.

 

“Aidan is seasoned. He has been in and placed the last three years.  I like his chances,” said Courtney.  “If he brings his best, he should be standing high on the podium.”

 

At 152 pounds, junior Kemo Summers bring an impressive 36-11 record to the state meet following his Region II win. He’ll get things going against East Fairmont’s Dom Postlewait who is 31-15.

 

“He has it all together. He has kept getting better each match,” said Courtney. “He is the most fundamental wrestler on the team. That goes far in a tournament like this one. I expect even better things out of him this weekend.”

 

Sophomore Derek Starkey is also a regional champion and will look to continue his impressive run. Starkey, competing at 145 pounds, will bring a 24-5 mark into his opener against Eli Sedlock of Oak Hill.

 

“He has had a great two weeks of practice.  It is the first time he will be wrestling at the states. I like his potential match ups. He will be fun to watch this weekend,” said Courtney.

 

In the heavyweight (285) division,  freshman Kamar Summers is looking to make noise after a third-place finish in regionoal action at Braxton County High School two weeks ago. Summers, 28-12,  will face Weir’s Jordan Bruek who comes in with a 26-8 mark.

 

“Kamar has come a long way this year.  We have concentrated a lot of time critiquing and changing his attack style,” Courtney said.  “He is a winner. He finds ways to put himself in a good spot by the end of the match. All he has to do this weekend is finish.”

 

At 113 pounds, freshman Conner Arnett will be looking to improve on his third place finish in the recent Region II competition. Arnett brings a 25-11 mark into the event and will face Isaac Harris (45-11) of Berkely Springs in the opening round of the tournament.

 

“He has had a great freshman year,” the coach said. “He gives it his all every second he is on the mat. The experience of going to states will be great for Conner.  His never give up attitude could surprise some opponents this week.” 

 

Another underclassman, sophomore Bladen Roush will look to up his fourth place regional finish at 138. He will open the meet with a 12-10 record and will square off against senior Cody Smith of Richwood who stands at 35-11.

 

“Bladen is a fighter. He was a match away from placing last year.  He knows his competition. We have prepped him the last two weeks on what he needs to do,” said Courtney.  “He wants to get to the podium. I think he will. He is match ready.

 

“I have not got notified that a positioned opened up for Brody. He will travel with us. He has put together two good weeks of practice. He will be ready should an opportunity present itself,” said Courtney. 

 

Bridgeport finished in the top 10 in Class AA last year and was hoping to make more noise this year. However, injuries have derailed the Tribe for most of the season as a trio of their top wrestlers, including a pair of seniors, were lost for the year due to injury.

 

Seniors Addison Courtney and  Josh Wojciechowicz along with junior JT Muller, were all among preseason favorites to place in the top four at regionals. However, injuries stopped Courtney and Muller prior to the states, while Wojciechowicz was injured in the Class AA state championship football victory against Bluefield.